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Australian Liberal Students' Federation


The Australian Liberal Students' Federation (ALSF) is an Australian students' political group. It is the peak national body for more than 30 campus Liberal Clubs. Although it has a similar ideology to the Liberal Party of Australia and works closely with the party, it is an independent organisation. The federation campaigned strongly for voluntary student unionism. The Federation has for decades opposed what it calls the radical left's control of some universities. Notable members include former Prime Minister John Howard, Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Eric Abetz, Michael Yabsley, Michael Kroger, Sophie Mirabella and Robert Clark.

The ALSF aims to bring together Liberal-leaning students and promote their beliefs and values on university campuses. It is well known for Liberal and conservative activism and intense policy debates. Although the it is not formally affiliated with any party, its name means it is frequently confused with the Liberal Party's youth wing, the Young Liberals. However, there is some crossover in the memberships of both organisations.

The ALSF is a member of the International Young Democrat Union and its patron is Nicole Flint MP.

The members of ALSF are the various campus Liberal clubs who affiliate and elect delegates to the annual federal council. State bodies also exist, including the New South Wales Liberal Students' Association, the Victorian Liberal Students' Association, South Australian Liberal Students, and the West Australian Union of Liberal Students.

The federal council is held every July

The Australian Liberal Students' Federation has had a long history of engagement and influence in national student bodies since its inception, and held numerous office bearer positions in the National Union of Australian University Students (NUAUS) in the 1950s and 1960s. By the 1970s, however, Liberal students became increasingly disillusioned with student representatives' support for what they saw as radical fringe elements mostly operating in foreign countries, "many of them allegedly engaged either in terrorist activities or as front-line supporters of authoritarian regimes". It said that "Instead of properly performing its core role as an advocate for student interests and a provider of student services it became hostage to extremist views more interested in international affairs than domestic education policies". "The AUS folded in 1984 after a lengthy campaign by the Australian Liberal Students’ Federation, the Fraser Government and state Liberal Governments to destroy it."


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